HPV Risk Perceptions and Knowledge Among Oklahoma Undergraduates: Implications for Vaccination Efforts

Background: HPV vaccination rates among young adults remain low. This study, guided by the Health Belief Model, examined Oklahoma undergraduates’ perceptions of HPV risk, risk factors, and HPV knowledge.

Methods: Surveys were administered to students aged 18-24 at two universities. Chi-square analysis assessed the relationship between vaccination status and perceived risk, while t-tests compared HPV knowledge scores across vaccination and perceived risk groups. Thematic coding was used to analyze responses to an open-ended question about HPV risk factors.

Results: Vaccination status was significantly associated with perceived risk. Of vaccinated respondents, 79% reported “below average” risk versus 60% of unvaccinated respondents. Vaccinated respondents had significantly higher HPV knowledge scores, but no significant differences were found between risk groups. Overall, HPV knowledge was low (mean score=47%). The most-cited factor for vaccinated respondents was the HPV vaccine (27%); for unvaccinated respondents it was not being sexually active (31%).

Conclusions: Regardless of vaccination status, respondents generally perceived their risk as low, yet most did not identify the HPV vaccine as a protective factor. Young adults who are not sexually active may hold a false sense of safety from HPV. Health care providers should emphasize that vaccination before sexual activity offers the best protection against HPV.